Elliott Smith — Independence Day
Album: XOAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1136
Length: 2:58
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Future butterfly,
Gonna spend the day
Higher than high.
You'll be
Beautiful confusion, ooh,
Oooh.
Once I was you.
Ah, ah...
Ah, ah...
I saw you caught between
All the people out
Making a scene
In a bright,
Ideal tomorrow ooh.
Don't go too far,
Stay who you are.
Ah, ah...
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
You only live a day
But it's brilliant anyway
I saw you at
A perfect place.
It's gonna happen soon,
But not today.
So go to sleep,
And make the change.
I'll meet you here tomorrow.
Independence day
Independence day
Independence day
Gonna spend the day
Higher than high.
You'll be
Beautiful confusion, ooh,
Oooh.
Once I was you.
Ah, ah...
Ah, ah...
I saw you caught between
All the people out
Making a scene
In a bright,
Ideal tomorrow ooh.
Don't go too far,
Stay who you are.
Ah, ah...
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
Everybody knows
You only live a day
But it's brilliant anyway
I saw you at
A perfect place.
It's gonna happen soon,
But not today.
So go to sleep,
And make the change.
I'll meet you here tomorrow.
Independence day
Independence day
Independence day
Comments (94)add comment
All songs for me, start a ten...this song did not fall far from the perfect feel good now vibe🙏🏻 BoGo54
Papernapkin wrote:
A strange criticism coming from someone who chooses to use the moniker of "Papernapkin".
Overly gentle, sensitive mush.
A strange criticism coming from someone who chooses to use the moniker of "Papernapkin".
I'll never get tired of listening to Elliott Smith.
javelipix wrote:
Oh Ya? What key is it in?
I suspect you're being insincere, since the answer would seem to be C (major, not minor) but people who know a LOT more music theory than I do go on about the complexities of his song structures, so are you being fair? The vocals really don't sound like a typical major key to me at all, but I lack the education to say why that is.
I suspect this is a fun read if you know a decent bit of music theory and like Elliott Smith
Oh Ya? What key is it in?
I suspect you're being insincere, since the answer would seem to be C (major, not minor) but people who know a LOT more music theory than I do go on about the complexities of his song structures, so are you being fair? The vocals really don't sound like a typical major key to me at all, but I lack the education to say why that is.
I suspect this is a fun read if you know a decent bit of music theory and like Elliott Smith
MrsTom wrote:
Oh Ya? What key is it in?
Where is this going? A bit aimless and minor-key for me
Oh Ya? What key is it in?
YourNameHere wrote:
The actual post.
Of all the artists I've been exposed to by listening to Radio Paradise, Elliot Smith may be the best discovery for me. What a unique and gifted talent he was.
The actual post.
YourNameHere wrote:
FYT
Of all the artists I've been exposed to by listening to Radio Paradise, Elliot Smith may be the worst discovery for me. What a common and ungifted talent he was.
FYT
Where is this going? A bit aimless and minor-key for me
Of all the artists I've been exposed to by listening to Radio Paradise, Elliot Smith may be the best discovery for me. What a unique and gifted talent he was.
Stingray wrote:
SMO
Why this hangman has such a great standing in independant music?
He can't sing and his compositions are usually mediocre!
OVERVALUED!
SMO
Ten years ago yesterday he died. The LA Times ran this on the front page yesterday: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-elliott-smith-20131023,0,4772674.story#axzz2if4iVk7F
A gem. I really like this tune for it seems to connect something nostalgic with something very painful. Hmmm....
A true treasure, for sure. I wsih Elliot were still around -- I believe he could have made beautiful music for decades. R.I.P, poor soul, R.I.P.
RIP Elliott. Thanks for the good, good times.
chism2 wrote:
I'm sure you were joking, but...https://www.thebutterflysite.com/how-long-butterflies-live.shtml
Everybody knows bullshit! Butterflies can live for years and migrate thousands of miles.
I'm sure you were joking, but...https://www.thebutterflysite.com/how-long-butterflies-live.shtml
Everybody knows bullshit! Butterflies can live for years and migrate thousands of miles.
rdo wrote:
Thanku thanku. But when it comes to music, rdo is an ant compared to Proclivities. rdo tries to put the music in some sort of cultural context, allbeit haphazzardly.
Thanku thanku. But when it comes to music, rdo is an ant compared to Proclivities. rdo tries to put the music in some sort of cultural context, allbeit haphazzardly.
JIan wrote:
Thanku thanku. But when it comes to music, rdo is an ant compared to Proclivities. rdo tries to put the music in some sort of cultural context, allbeit haphazzardly.
| k8ling1114 (Puget Sound, Washington) |
|
I am not sure I understand exactly why people apparently feel compelled to point these things out - repeated playlists. BillG and Rebecca almost always blends tunes fairly seamlessly and with a skill so very seldom heard. With that said, it is inevitable that two songs, or an entire playlist between breaks, will repeat because there are just so many songs that do so with such ease, and also meet whatever criteria are used to select songs for this station. Am I totally off base, here?
I freely admit that I am far from the most knowledgable person on the site (Proclivities comes to mind; he{?} seems quite knowledgable indeed, along with many others like rdo, and crogers, etc... - the people I always look for to see what they had to say as I often learn things from them and their posts), but it just seems kind of petty that some folks feel compelled to call out playlist repeats. If it went well the first time around, why not play those songs in a similar order again, at least occasionally?
Thanku thanku. But when it comes to music, rdo is an ant compared to Proclivities. rdo tries to put the music in some sort of cultural context, allbeit haphazzardly.
JIan wrote:
..it passes the time..
..i find it sorta interesting to see the spacing of B&Reb designed sets..seems relatively random, but i always check it out (& sometimes comment about it) anyhow..
..would thinking of it as "a grand connection across space & time" make it more palatable?..(i thought not)..
| k8ling1114 (Puget Sound, Washington) |
|
I am not sure I understand exactly why people apparently feel compelled to point these things out - repeated playlists. BillG and Rebecca almost always blends tunes fairly seamlessly and with a skill so very seldom heard. With that said, it is inevitable that two songs, or an entire playlist between breaks, will repeat because there are just so many songs that do so with such ease, and also meet whatever criteria are used to select songs for this station. Am I totally off base, here?
I freely admit that I am far from the most knowledgable person on the site (Proclivities comes to mind; he{?} seems quite knowledgable indeed, along with many others like rdo, and crogers, etc... - the people I always look for to see what they had to say as I often learn things from them and their posts), but it just seems kind of petty that some folks feel compelled to call out playlist repeats. If it went well the first time around, why not play those songs in a similar order again, at least occasionally?
..it passes the time..
..i find it sorta interesting to see the spacing of B&Reb designed sets..seems relatively random, but i always check it out (& sometimes comment about it) anyhow..
..would thinking of it as "a grand connection across space & time" make it more palatable?..(i thought not)..
| k8ling1114 (Puget Sound, Washington) |
|
I am not sure I understand exactly why people apparently feel compelled to point these things out - repeated playlists. BillG and Rebecca almost always blend tunes fairly seamlessly and with a skill so very seldom heard. With that said, it is inevitable that two songs, or an entire playlist between breaks, will repeat because there are just so many songs that do so with such ease, and also meet whatever criteria are used to select those specific songs for this station and that rotation. Am I totally off base, here?
I freely admit that I am far from the most knowledgable person on the site (Proclivities comes to mind; he seems quite knowledgable indeed, along with many others like rdo, and crogers, etc... - the people I always look for to see what they had to say as I often learn things from them and their posts), but it just seems kind of petty that some folks feel compelled to call out playlist repeats. If it went well the first time around, why not play those songs in a similar order again, at least occasionally?
again on October 17 2012....
lily34 wrote:
lily34 wrote:
so weird to hear after madrugada's majesty, but billg's got it. elliott i can never criticize.
beautiful. thank you.
beautiful. thank you.
every time i've heard elliot smith occasionally over the years i've never been able to really convince myself to like it. i can't put my finger on why it's so grating.... his voice? it's not rich or full.
MojoJojo wrote:
Yes indeed.
Finally got around to rating this. I think I went too low (9).
same
Yes indeed.
Finally got around to rating this. I think I went too low (9).
same
so weird to hear after madrugada's majesty, but billg's got it. elliott i can never criticize.
beautiful. thank you.
beautiful. thank you.
Why this hangman has such a great standing in independant music?
He can't sing and his compositions are usually mediocre!
OVERVALUED!
is this thing on?
Pibailey wrote:
You said it!
Still one of my favourite albums.
You said it!
Still one of my favourite albums.
Fun, bouncy beat
For me, this is outstanding
Elliot is one of those few artists that all of his songs rate between 7-10 with me. This one is a 7.
Romulus wrote:
Yes indeed.
Finally got around to rating this. I think I went too low (9).
RIP Elliot
Yes indeed.
Finally got around to rating this. I think I went too low (9).
Everybody knows.
RIP Elliot
Another great artist with a nice voice! Great set today! Thanks Calypsus!
The whole XO recording haunted me- before Elliot's death. Now, it's a little hard to listen to. Rare to be so moved by music.
Hi, Quality Pie! I mix PDX, Elliot and Quality Pie. The late icon on 23rd, - not you personally (although I'm sure you are very nice as well).
Hi, Quality Pie! I mix PDX, Elliot and Quality Pie. The late icon on 23rd, - not you personally (although I'm sure you are very nice as well).
OK........ I had research this one to make sure he was not a young-in birchen about his cell-phone service.... pre 00's, I'll give him some credit?
The person who only saw Elliott at the University of Utah, that is the worst example of what Elliott was capable of. I saw him 3 times and each time his ability diminished but the first was amazing.
I saw him at Nita's Hideaway near Phoenix AZ. The truck bringing all of the band equipment broke down and it was just Elliott and his acoustic. He interacted with the audience and had a sense of humor. It was awesome. I was at the waist high stage 5 feet from him. When he ended the show and left the stage I got up there and grabbed the hand written set list he had dropped. Still have it. Yes I am a fan.
Next was in LA and it was bad. He forgot words and cords and he asked for requests and then said he wasn't able to play them. Interestingly though everyone was seated on the floor and Jack Johnson was sitting behind us.
And the piece de resistance. University of Utah. He probably "played" 4 songs total. It was a disaster. Everyone was upset.
They say that his autopsy showed zero illegal substances in his system and just some mental health meds. Very odd.
I saw him at Nita's Hideaway near Phoenix AZ. The truck bringing all of the band equipment broke down and it was just Elliott and his acoustic. He interacted with the audience and had a sense of humor. It was awesome. I was at the waist high stage 5 feet from him. When he ended the show and left the stage I got up there and grabbed the hand written set list he had dropped. Still have it. Yes I am a fan.
Next was in LA and it was bad. He forgot words and cords and he asked for requests and then said he wasn't able to play them. Interestingly though everyone was seated on the floor and Jack Johnson was sitting behind us.
And the piece de resistance. University of Utah. He probably "played" 4 songs total. It was a disaster. Everyone was upset.
They say that his autopsy showed zero illegal substances in his system and just some mental health meds. Very odd.
songbirdfemme wrote:
solid, sensitive, gentle, pretty
"wail wail wail weeee weeee eeeeee weasss wooop waaaiilla weeee..." thats what its sounds like in the office....lol seriously.
solid, sensitive, gentle, pretty
"wail wail wail weeee weeee eeeeee weasss wooop waaaiilla weeee..." thats what its sounds like in the office....lol seriously.
I really enjoy From a Basement on the Hill. Maybe you can't go wrong
pigglywiggly wrote:
Either/Or and XO are my favorites.
pigglywiggly wrote:
Either/Or and XO are my favorites.
Pazzat wrote:
What, dead?
mic wrote:
I think this is what Dave Matthews wants to be.
Nice!!
coolpeople_rule wrote:
Yeah! Miss you Elliot.
Pure Enjoyment! Great song! So simple and yet perfect....coud it be? Yes!! I think so!!!
Yeah! Miss you Elliot.Almost perfect. In a class with the Jennys' "Arlington."
Pure Enjoyment! Great song! So simple and yet perfect....coud it be? Yes!! I think so!!!
Thanks RP it was only last year that I heard Waltz #2 on RP and knew something special was going on here, and got the XO album, before even knowing he was dead. He was something special alright, and XO, and his other albums take pride of place up alongside anyone you care to mention. His favorite album was apparently the Beatles White Album, and it shows - particularly Lennon songs like Julia or Happiness Is A Warm Gun. Others hear early solo McCartney. One of the best songwriters of his generation - Gen X.
I love the fact that Elliott so unapologetically emulated McCartney's early solo career, which most snobs usually snub. Many of the more subdued songs on McCartney, Ram, Wings Wild Life and Red Rose Speedway would be perfectly at home on an ES record, and vice versa.
Elliott, E l l i o t t, phone home.. radiomao wrote:
I shall have to try my hand at "channeling" this man's spirit, so there can still be more music like his. I know it's tall order, but it's worth a try. I can't get enough of him...will let you know how it goes...to be continued...
KublaKhan wrote:
He was terrific when I saw him live in the mid 90's. He didn't say a word through the entire set, but the music was near perfection. I can't vouch for his performances towards the end of his life but he was a good performer earlier on.
I saw him play a show at the University of Utah and thought he sounded horrible - a very depressing show indead. One week later I found out he was gone, and that we saw his last performance. It certainly made me rethink my impression of the performance. Regardless of his live performances, he sure worked magic in the studio.
He was terrific when I saw him live in the mid 90's. He didn't say a word through the entire set, but the music was near perfection. I can't vouch for his performances towards the end of his life but he was a good performer earlier on.
Papernapkin wrote:
solid, sensitive, gentle, pretty
Overly gentle, sensitive mush.
solid, sensitive, gentle, pretty
out_to_lunch wrote:
You mean Tompkins Square Park. Tompkins Park is in Brooklyn.
I sort of new him a little. I used to hang out in Tompkins park in NYC on the lower east side when it was filled with punks & junkies. He used to hang there too and play in the park & drink with the rest of the degenerates. He also used to cop, which is how I first met him: I was with a friend who was scoring something and Elliot came with to get some too.... I think that was 97? I never realized it was him until I looked at his pic on that one album cover & recognized the tat & his face.
You mean Tompkins Square Park. Tompkins Park is in Brooklyn.
Overly gentle, sensitive mush.
radiomao wrote:
Go man, go! That is a worthy goal if I ever heard one!
I shall have to try my hand at "channeling" this man's spirit, so there can still be more music like his. I know it's tall order, but it's worth a try. I can't get enough of him...will let you know how it goes...to be continued...
Go man, go! That is a worthy goal if I ever heard one!
I shall have to try my hand at "channeling" this man's spirit, so there can still be more music like his. I know it's tall order, but it's worth a try. I can't get enough of him...will let you know how it goes...to be continued...
Egrey wrote:
His albums are great. However, I saw him live once and he was awful. It was obvious he was on something.
I saw him play a show at the University of Utah and thought he sounded horrible - a very depressing show indead. One week later I found out he was gone, and that we saw his last performance. It certainly made me rethink my impression of the performance. Regardless of his live performances, he sure worked magic in the studio.
HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY! LOVE THIS SONG! 
gatsby169 wrote:
What's a good Elliot Smith album to start with?
Either/Or and XO are my favorites.
What's a good Elliot Smith album to start with?
out_to_lunch wrote:
I sort of new him a little. I used to hang out in Tompkins park in NYC on the lower east side when it was filled with punks & junkies. He used to hang there too and play in the park & drink with the rest of the degenerates. He also used to cop, which is how I first met him: I was with a friend who was scoring something and Elliot came with to get some too....
I think that was 97? I never realized it was him until I looked at his pic on that one album cover & recognized the tat & his face.
---great story
REminds me of early Floyd
Lovely.
Just pure lovely.
His albums are great. However, I saw him live once and he was awful. It was obvious he was on something.
electronicthroat wrote:
I had never heard of Elliot Smith until I listened to RP. I really love his music. I need to go pick up one of his albums.
Do yourself a favor and pick them all up! They are all wonderful... in my opinion of course :)
I had never heard of Elliot Smith until I listened to RP. I really love his music. I need to go pick up one of his albums.
Beadedlily wrote:
I have just recently, in the last year, really gotten into Elliot. For about three months my five disc cd player was only loaded with his cd's. I have a shop, and it got to the point where friends would walk in and chastise me for "listening to Elliot again" as if it was the equivalent to drug addiction or something. In a way it is I guess. Sometimes I get hooked on a particular artist and I just can't let go. I wish I was into him when he was still alive, so I could have seen him live. 
I sort of new him a little. I used to hang out in Tompkins park in NYC on the lower east side when it was filled with punks & junkies. He used to hang there too and play in the park & drink with the rest of the degenerates. He also used to cop, which is how I first met him: I was with a friend who was scoring something and Elliot came with to get some too....
I think that was 97? I never realized it was him until I looked at his pic on that one album cover & recognized the tat & his face.
my 6 year old says that this is the Best Song in America Ever.
I had to share that. :)
Another dead artist? This is really good, never heard him before - really growing on me
The CD of the past year which I can NOT stop playing is
"To: Elliott From: Portland", a collection of Portland bands
covering Elliott Smith songs.
Starts off with The Decemberists doing "Clementine".
Portion of the proceeds go to help at-risk youth in Portland.
I recommend. HEAVILY.
I have just recently, in the last year, really gotten into Elliot. For about three months my five disc cd player was only loaded with his cd's. I have a shop, and it got to the point where friends would walk in and chastise me for "listening to Elliot again" as if it was the equivalent to drug addiction or something. In a way it is I guess. Sometimes I get hooked on a particular artist and I just can't let go. I wish I was into him when he was still alive, so I could have seen him live.
lostindetroit wrote:
Elliott had this knack of making sad sound so sweet and melodious.
Exactly. He makes depression sound like cake and flowers.
lmic wrote:
I think this is what Dave Matthews wants to be.
What, dead?
RIP :(
tony620d wrote:
For sure. The keyboard work is exceptional and his voice...out of this world. I love this one.
10
For sure. The keyboard work is exceptional and his voice...out of this world. I love this one.
rah wrote:
man, it's good.
10
I think this is what Dave Matthews wants to be.
My Favorite Elliot Smith Song....and it's a tough choice.
jtdiver wrote:
oh Elliot. terrible live performer but some of his studio performances - like XO - is up there with the best. great stuff from one messed up dude.
i can't agree. i saw him at least a half-dozen times and was never disappointed with him. he didn't always have the backup or sound-mixing he needed for the venue, but his performances were never lacking.
oh Elliot. terrible live performer but some of his studio performances - like XO - is up there with the best. great stuff from one messed up dude.
man, it's good.
I just love it. I have the CD for at least 7 years and I am back listening to it all the time at the moment. 
Just recently purchased my first Elliott Smith CD. Don't know why it took me so long to discover him... thank you RP. Every song by him is simply beautiful.
Elliott had this knack of making sad sound so sweet and melodious.
one of my all-time favorite Elliott songs. What a mood it creates. Ahhh...
Dark_Globe wrote:
The production and sound of his voice on this song is amazing. Great melody too. Sorely missed.
I haven't heard anything by ES that I've hated yet. Great song.
GODLIKE
Darlington wrote:
Yes you do.
Only three times? Wow, you must have some willpower!
I have to split my entertainment money between music and movies :-)
ploafmaster wrote:
Alright, that's it. For the third time, RP is making me go out and buy some music. I need to get me some Elliott Smith!
Yes you do.
Only three times? Wow, you must have some willpower!
Alright, that's it. For the third time, RP is making me go out and buy some music. I need to get me some Elliott Smith!
We miss you Eliot.
The production and sound of his voice on this song is amazing. Great melody too. Sorely missed.
I suspect you're being insincere, since the answer would seem to be C (major, not minor) but people who know a LOT more music theory than I do go on about the complexities of his song structures, so are you being fair? The vocals really don't sound like a typical major key to me at all, but I lack the education to say why that is.
I suspect this is a fun read if you know a decent bit of music theory and like Elliott Smith
For theory folks, this has some really interesting info and thoughts on Elliott Smith's music. For me, the complexity is pretty obvious to intuition.
https://digitalcollections.wes...